In 22 days, pilgrim numbers break last year’s 60-day long Amarnath Yatra record

More pilgrims have performed the Amarnath Yatra in the past 22 days than they did during the entire 60-day stretch of the Yatra last year, officials said.

“On 22nd day of the ongoing Amarnath Yatra, 13,377yatris paid obeisance at the holy cave yesterday and since the beginning ofthis year’s Yatra on July 1, 2,85,381 pilgrims had darshan at the cave shrine.

   

“Last year, 2,85,006 pilgrims performed the yatraduring its entire 60-day long period,” officials said here.

Another batch of 3,060 pilgrims left Jammu on Tuesday forthe Valley in two escorted convoys. “Some 1,109 of these are going toBaltal base camp, while 1,951 are going to the Pahalgam base camp,” policesaid.

Situated 3,888 metres above sea level in the south KashmirHimalayas, the cave shrine houses an ice stalagmite formation that, accordingto the devotees, symbolises mythical powers of Lord Shiva.

The ice structure waxes and wanes with the phases of theMoon. Pilgrims approach the cave shrine either through the longer 45-kilometrePahalgam route or the shorter 14-kilometre Baltal route. Those using the Baltalroute return to the base camp the same day after performing the Yatra.Helicopter services are available for the pilgrims at both the base camps.

Local Muslims are lending a helping hand to ensure thattheir Hindu brethren perform the Yatra with ease and convenience to uphold thecenturies-old tradition of Kashmir, abode of saints and Sufis. So far, 24pilgrims have died during the Yatra. While 22 of them passed away of naturalcauses, two died in accidents.

The cave shrine was discovered in 1850 by a Muslim shepherdnamed Buta Malik. To reward the shepherd, a saint gave him a bag of charcoalthat turned out to be gold, says the local folklore. Symbolically, the loreturned out to be true. The descendants of the shepherd have shared a portion ofthe offerings at the cave shrine for over 150 years.This year’s Amarnath Yatra will conclude onAugust 15, coinciding with the festival of Raksha Bandhan on Shravan Purnima.

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